Cincinnati's fire community is in mourning after Firefighter Ryan Zwick, 43, died in the line of duty following a duty-related medical illness, the Cincinnati Fire Department announced Thursday. Zwick was assigned to Station 35 in Westwood and had served with the department for more than 12 years, working on the medic unit as well as on both engine and truck companies during his time with CFD.
According to the Cincinnati Fire Department, Zwick passed away on June 11, 2026, following a duty-related medical illness. The department notes he joined the ranks on May 25, 2014, and has since logged more than 12 years of service.
Service and career
The department described his death as "profoundly" sad and highlighted Zwick’s career at Station 35 in Westwood, where he worked on the medic unit, engine, and truck. Station 35 is identified in the city’s Westwood neighborhood plan as part of the local Town Hall business district, according to the City of Cincinnati.
Medical events remain a top on-the-job risk
Medical episodes, particularly sudden cardiac events, are a leading cause of line-of-duty deaths for firefighters nationwide, according to national data and public health reviews. Research points to the combined strain of intense exertion, heat, and occupational exposures as key drivers of duty-related medical crises among first responders. A review in PubMed Central outlines these risks in detail.
What comes next
The department’s Facebook post serves as the official public notice and does not include additional details about funeral arrangements or services. Hoodline will update this story if the department or Zwick’s family releases further information.
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